An evening with Central New Jersey's finest chefs, exceptional wine and spirits, and six honorees who help young people talk about mental health. Every ticket brings AIR® programs and therapy dogs into schools.
"I love how the book was easy for the children to relate to." NJ elementary school teacher
Taste of Hope 2026 honorees
Champions & Partners in Hope
Scott Moore, PE, CSPChampion of HopeHal EnglishChampion of HopeCarol Rickard, LCSWChampion of HopeDr. Rosetta TreecePartner in HopeRayan ShahPartner in HopeElizabeth Machado & NicoPartners in Hope
AIR Dogscertified therapy dog teams at every school program
Since 2009serving New Jersey schools, with results studied by The College of New Jersey
In crisis or worried about someone?Call or text 988 any time
Attitudes in Reverse®
START THE CONVERSATION® | REVERSE AN ATTITUDE | SAVE A LIFE
Attitudes In Reverse or AIR® offers a comprehensive mental health plan to educate youth, from elementary level through college-age. AIR's programs are wrapped in messages of understanding, empathy and kindness towards all. At AIR, we believe that good mental health programming makes the best anti-bullying and suicide prevention plans. Breaking down stigma allows AIR to help identify youth who are at risk. Programs are also available for parents, teachers and all school staff. Certified AIR Dogs, therapy dogs, accompany all program presenters.
Proceeds from all book sales goes directly to supporting school dogs.
Our Reviews
AIR®'s Success in Schools
Scientific Research Further Proves the Effectiveness of the Coming Up for AIR® Program
While testimonials from educational professionals clearly indicate the effectiveness of Attitudes In Reverse's Coming Up for AIR® program, even more compelling is the evidence discovered through scientific analysis.
Jean Kirnan, PhD, Professor of Psychology at The College of New Jersey, and her colleagues conducted a study measuring increases in middle and high school students' mental health literacy resulting from participation in this program. The researchers also examined trends in help-seeking behavior, and their findings from both studies were recently published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
"Mental health literacy improved across gender and grade level (8th, 9th, and 10th)," the authors wrote. "While other programs measure intention, Coming Up for AIR measures actual behavior, as students can ask for help for themselves or a friend. Significant differences in self-referral were found for both grade level and presentation date. Self-referrals were significantly higher post-COVID-19 compared to pre-COVID-19, with middle schoolers increasing 90% and high school students increasing 36%."
Attitudes In Reverse® is partnering with The College of New Jersey's Testing and Assessment in Psychology Lab. AIR®
is grateful to the staff and students at the TAPlab who are performing an evidence-based program evaluation of AIR®'s programs.
Coming Up for AIR® Student Presentation Program
The AIR® student presentation is mental health education geared towards students, middle school through college age. It is a peer-led multi-modal presentation: PowerPoint, video, interactive discussion. It can be 45 to 60 minutes, depending upon class length, and can be offered during Physical Education, Health, Science, Social Studies/Humanities classes. The presentation can be delivered to individual classes, as well as a full auditorium of students. It is also available and recommended for Parent-Teacher-Student Associations and parent-only audiences. Click for more information
AIR® Awareness Outreach
Attitudes In Reverse® volunteers attend many different types of events to help start conversations about good mental health. These can be college health fairs, local community events, state mental health conferences and Supernatural conventions. Since therapy dogs are involved in our non-profit, we often find ourselves at dog events, where people normally do not talk about mental health or suicide. Click for more information. The coming up for AIR Student Presentation Program has a response rate of 35% of students ask for help after the presentation.
We could not accomplish our goals without the kindness and support of our Sustaining Sponsors. Thank you!
PRINCETON, NJ, October 8, 2026 – After learning about Attitudes in Reverse® (AIR®) three years ago by attending its annual Taste of Hope event, Scott Moore, PE, CSP, Founder and Owner of Moore Engineering, became an instant supporter of the organization and its mission to save lives through mental health and suicide prevention education. Moore…Read More »
PRINCETON, NJ, October 6, 2026 – Having experienced the loss of her son and students to suicide, Dr. Rosetta Treece, Hopewell Valley Regional School District (HVRSD) Superintendent, naturally became determined to help prevent similar tragedies. Equally natural was her collaboration with Attitudes In Reverse® (AIR®), beginning several years ago when AIR brought certified therapy dogs…Read More »
PRINCETON, NJ, October 1, 2026 – Throughout more than 27 years as an educator for students in kindergarten through 12th grade, Liz Machado has “seen an increase of anxiety, stress, trauma and other emotional challenges that affect our students’ ability to learn and thrive.” She combines her passion for education with commitment to support children's…Read More »
PRINCETON, NJ, September 22, 2026 – Though he recently started his junior year at the George School in Newtown, PA, coming up, Rayan Shah has already made significant, impressive achievements in academics, athletics, leadership and being a role model not only for setting and achieving goals, but also for strengthening mental health. His impact on…Read More »
Attitudes In Reverse® Honors Carol Rickard as Champion of Hope PRINCETON, NJ, September 16, 2026 – “We can all be well when we’re armed with the right knowledge and tools to do that,” stated Carol Rickard, LCSW, MSW, Founder of Well YOUniversity and Stress SMARTER Systems. “I love that Trish talks to kids about…Read More »
” I am so appreciative of the AIR grant, that is amazing!! I have forwarded your message to my principal (David Winston, winston@lincpk.com) and my replacement (Jackie Heftler, heftler@lincpk.com). I am leaving my position this week, but wanted to get this confirmed for next year as I agree that your program is life-saving, and life-changing. The last time you were at LPMS I had a student who was experiencing depression. Her parents and I had tried to encourage her to participate in therapeutic counseling, but she was really resistant. After your presentation and the breakout session with our school psychologist, she came to me and shared that she thought she was ready. It really hit her when she realized that her symptoms and feelings were not simply “being sad,” they were signs of depression. That same student will be a Senior next year. She still participates in counseling and has developed a love for Physics. Your program makes such a difference, I can’t wait for you to reach another group of Lincoln Park students.”
Cristina, School Counselor
“AIR has come 2 times a year to our school for at least the last 10 years, This program is a must for young people…Every time Trish talks to our kids, we have students coming forward recognizing that some of their thoughts and behaviors may not be healthy for them and they reach out, or a friend feels safe enough to reach out to their safe adult here at school. She has saved lives…This I know for sure…
Please, if you have the opportunity have her come to your organization and speak to adults, parents, and the kids.”
Kathy Maley, Notre Dame High School
” The county superintendents have initiated a Call to Action that has helped to raise awareness and connect partners in this fight. Our work with AIR is an important part of this meaningful endeavor”. -Michael Nitti, Superintendent of Ewing School District
” Once we saw how students reacted to AIR Dogs’ initial therapy visit to Antheil Elementary School, and the benefits of it, we definitely wanted to fit it into our schools’ schedules. I’ve seen the power of AIR’s work, and I’ve been a huge supporter ever since”. – Maria Petsos, Special Education Supervisor
Maria Petsos, Special Education Supervisor
It was such a wonderful visit! Just taking the dogs to the office, we were stopped multiple times by students and adults in the building who just lit up and asked to pet them. The students were so excited to see the dogs and were so amazed that we were able to have them in the school for them.
One young man said “This is the only time you will see my sensitive side – when I am with animals, I am happy.” Another student came back to our office upset later in the day and said she had been having a really rough day but when she came during lunch and saw the dogs, they made her feel calm and happy and she was okay to make it through most of her day. Our staff members said it was like a gift for them to have the dogs in the office during the day – they said they thought is meant as much to them as it did to the students. Our principal said she wants the dogs here all of the time!
Lauren Balkan, teacher at Carteret High School
I have such a strong connection to these animals and I truly believe they positively affect people of all ages. They seem to have an innate sense and so many of our students truly come alive when interacting with the dogs. They truly are furry little healers. Thank you again for coming to our school and sharing. So many students came to my office to tell me how much they loved the program and how hearing Kenny’s story moved them. Keep doing what you are doing. It helps so many.
Lori Ann Roland, LPC, LCADC, Student Assistance Coordinator at Brick Township High School
It is I who should be thanking you! The presentation brought a few students to Guidance, all of whom decided it was time to talk. We took it one step further with one senior girl who is having suicide ideations. She will be getting treatment immediately.
PrincipalTrenton School
During my time as Executive Director of the Governor’s Council on Mental Health Stigma, I personally witnessed the power of the AIR program, and its positive impact on young people. It was palpable, it was real, and there is no doubt in my mind that it made a difference in the lives of every participant, not just students, but parents and faculty as well.
Celina GrayActing Director of the NJ Governor's Council on Alcoholism & Drug Abuse; Former Executive Director of the NJ Governor's Council on Mental Health Stigma
Attitudes In Reverse® has provided our students with a most important resource. Due to the work of the AIR volunteers, our students know that they are not alone. They learn that the stigma associated with mental illness need not close them off from normal functioning….from happiness. There are people out there who will listen and help them when all seems lost. AIR tells them that they can…that they deserve the help they need.
Mrs. Baker has related to me emails from our students thanking them for opening their eyes to the resources available, and perhaps more importantly, how to be that good listener for others. We hope to continue our relationship with AIR in the future for the benefit of our students.
Michael ZapicchiPrincipal, West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North
